Fundraiser a 'taste' of more than Germantown

It's called the "Taste of the Town." But maybe organizers should consider re-naming it "Taste Out of Town" or "Taste Near the Town."

The Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting an adult food and drink fundraiser this afternoon but the event is being staged in er um -- ahh Memphis.

"We're not saying it's the taste of Germantown. That's why we call it Taste of the Town," explained chamber event coordinator Debbie Scott.

While the event started in Germantown nine years ago, Scott said the city doesn't have a facility or parking to accommodate the expected 600 people attending the tasting. "It kept growing," she said. "So we had to move it to the Agricenter."

The tasting is scheduled for 5 p.m to 8 p.m. today in Agricenter International's West Pavilion at 7777 Walnut Grove Road. Tickets are $60 a person for those 21 and older and can be bought at the door.

Organizers are expecting hungry patrons to nibble, munch and chow down on such delights as Bonefish Grill's spicy bang bang shrimp, the Butcher Shop's sauteed mushrooms and filet tenderloin and Interim's macaroni and cheese casserole.

For those with a sweet tooth, there will be Kooky Canuck's chocolate Nanaimo Bars, the CrepeMaker's triple treat dessert crepes and Chez Philippe's French pastries. Speciality wines and beverages also will be available.

The showcase is featuring 40 vendors from East Memphis, Midtown and Downtown and some from Germantown. They have even lured in Harrah's Entertainment and specialities from Paula Deen's Buffet will be served.

The tasting acts as a double fundraiser benefiting the chamber and Make-A-Wish Foundation. All the proceeds from a live auction will go to granting a wish to a child with a life-threatening medical condition.

Some of the live auction items include a week's stay in a two-bedroom condo in Hawaii, two season tickets for the University of Memphis men's basketball games and several private in-home catered dinner parties.

Last year, the chamber was able to grant three wishes from the Taste of the Town.